Legal Information and Reference Resources for West Virginia Libraries: Legal Information and Self-Help

Features federal, state, and world law published online for free, a lawyer directory organized by practice area and by state, and "Wex," LII's free legal dictionary and legal encyclopedia.

FindLaw provides online legal information for consumers and small businesses. The site features articles, news, case law, and statutes on a wide variety of legal topics.

Free online resource that provides referrals to local legal aid and public interest law offices, basic information about legal rights, court forms, self-help information, court information, links to social service agencies, and more.

LawHelp Interactive helps you fill out legal documents for free based on answers you provide to questions asked by the site. Forms are searchable by state / region.

Library database providing legal information and forms for individuals and small businesses. Includes many Nolo publications. Forms are for research purposes only. Forms to be used should be obtained from the legal agency in charge or with the help of a legal professional. Access is free to West Virginia residents and current students. To get login information for Legal Information Reference Center and other WVInfoDepot.org databases, please contact your local public library.

Free articles on everyday legal topics written in plain English. Topics include accidents and injuries; bankruptcy; DUI / DWI and traffic tickets; employment law; immigration; divorce and family law; wills, trusts, and probate; renters’ and tenants’ rights; and taxes.

Database directory of services and service providers searchable by subject area and county served (in WV, OH, and KY). Includes topics such as Addiction Services, Abortion, Divorce, Adoption, Alzheimer's, Children, Civil Rights, and many more. Choose "Legal Issues" under "Subject Area" for a listing of statewide legal institutions and services.

Short, recorded audio messages (2-3 min. each) that provide basic information on common legal problems. Messages also have written transcripts. Available 24 hours a day at the link above or via telephone at 1-866-985-2948. Topics include domestic violence, landlord/tenant issues, employment law, and more. Legal Aid of West Virginia is a provider of civil legal aid and advocacy services with a mission to serve the most vulnerable among us.

Free online informational resources organized by topic. Legal Aid of West Virginia is a provider of civil legal aid and advocacy services with a mission to serve the most vulnerable among us.

Manual containing general legal information and an overview of the law for senior citizens in West Virginia. Topics include Medicaid, nursing homes, Medicare, elder abuse, incapacity, advance directives, wills and estate planning, Social Security, financial and family law information, and more.

Consumer protection information and assistance including links to consumer complaint forms and a consumer protection hotline (1-800-368-8808).

Lists licensed West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence programs throughout the state with contact information and is searchable by county.

Includes a video explaining the process of filing for Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPO), emergency contact numbers, domestic violence forms, rules, and more on this topic.

Lists resources available (mostly on-site only) at the state law library. The library's catalog is also searchable from this site. the State Law Library provides reference assistance by phone and email as well as free, public access to the Westlaw database on-site. The library can be reached by phone at (304) 558-2607.

Information on services provided to the public by the WVU Law Library, including reference assistance, borrowing materials, services for attorneys, and referrals to lawyers as well as free and low-cost legal assistance in West Virginia.

Legal term glossary provided by the U.S. Courts website.

A free, community-built legal dictionary and encyclopedia sponsored and hosted by the Legal Information Institute (LII) at Cornell Law School. Wex entries are collaboratively created and edited by legal experts.

The West Virginia State Law Library provides access to law-related information to the judiciary, legal community and the public. It provides reference assistance by phone and email, as well as free, public access to the Westlaw database on-site. The library can be reached by phone at (304) 558-2607.

Explains the federal court system and provides a federal court locator map (including federal courts in West Virginia).

General, practical information on West Virginia courts including rules for each type of West Virginia court and court forms commonly needed by the public. Also includes information on filing documents with the courts and obtaining copies of case documents.

Gives a hierarchy of West Virginia courts, lists the types of West Virginia courts and where they are located, and explains each court's role.

Provides links to rules and forms for Supreme Court Proceedings, Circuit Court Proceedings, Family Court Proceedings, and Magistrate Court Proceedings. Also includes links to rules governing lawyers and judges as well as miscellaneous other rules applying to courts in West Virginia (i..e Court Reporter Forms).

The Court of Claims hears claims against State agencies.

Information on the circuit court, family court, and magistrate court of Kanawha County, WV.

Links to various sources of federal law information including courts, judges, decisions, legislation, etc.